Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

MBA: Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest MBA Weekly Survey

181. MBA: Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest MBA Weekly Survey

Bill McBride discusses an increase in mortgage applications, highlighting data from the MBA and insights from Chief Economist Mike Fratantoni regarding economic conditions and interest rates.

Kari Lake says OAN's far-right coverage will fuel Voice of America

182. Kari Lake says OAN's far-right coverage will fuel Voice of America

David Folkenflik discusses Kari Lake's assertion that Voice of America will depend on far-right coverage from OAN, which supports President Trump.

The Fed holds interest rates steady as Trump's tariffs spark uncertainty

183. The Fed holds interest rates steady as Trump's tariffs spark uncertainty

Scott Horsley discusses the Federal Reserve's likely decision to maintain interest rates amid economic uncertainty caused by President Trump's tariffs.

Basic Fun! CEO warns tariffs could double toy prices, threaten Christmas sales

184. Basic Fun! CEO warns tariffs could double toy prices, threaten Christmas sales

Michel Martin discusses how tariffs could significantly increase toy prices, impacting sales during the Christmas season, according to Jay Foreman, CEO of Basic Fun!.

U.S. and Chinese officials will meet in Geneva in first sign of thaw in trade war

185. U.S. and Chinese officials will meet in Geneva in first sign of thaw in trade war

Sherisse Pham discusses the upcoming meeting between U.S. and Chinese officials in Geneva, indicating a possible easing of tensions in their trade relations.

Why do shrimpers like tariffs?

186. Why do shrimpers like tariffs?

Stephan Bisaha discusses why shrimpers support tariffs and explores economists' views on their impact on the American economy.

The fantasy vs. reality of Trump's "smokestack nostalgia"

187. The fantasy vs. reality of Trump's "smokestack nostalgia"

Brittany Luse explores the cultural and economic implications of Trump's tariffs and the desire to revive American manufacturing jobs.

WeightWatchers files for bankruptcy protection to eliminate debt burden

188. WeightWatchers files for bankruptcy protection to eliminate debt burden

The Associated Press reports that WeightWatchers is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to eliminate $1.15 billion in debt and shift towards telehealth services.

Why Is the US Economy Surging Ahead of the UK?

189. Why Is the US Economy Surging Ahead of the UK?

Timothy Taylor discusses the reasons behind the faster post-pandemic economic growth in the US compared to the UK, focusing on productivity and investment differences.

What is happening at Newark Airport? This and other questions answered

190. What is happening at Newark Airport? This and other questions answered

Jaclyn Diaz discusses recent flight delays and cancellations at Newark Airport and the implications for air traffic control improvements.

We're tracking more data on Trump's popularity

191. We're tracking more data on Trump's popularity

Nate Silver discusses new features in tracking Trump's approval ratings, focusing on economic issues and their impact on his popularity during his presidency.

Who runs trade surpluses?

192. Who runs trade surpluses?

Scott Sumner discusses the relationship between wages and trade surpluses, arguing that high wages are linked to productivity and economic advancement, not trade deficits.

Why oil prices are falling, and what it means for the economy

193. Why oil prices are falling, and what it means for the economy

Falling oil prices benefit consumers while negatively impacting oil companies, influenced by global tariffs and increased OPEC production.

The Marxist Owner of the American Store?

194. The Marxist Owner of the American Store?

Pierre Lemieux critiques Donald Trump's statement about owning the American market, linking it to Marxist ideas of collective ownership and the implications for individual property rights.

Tuesday's Assorted Links

195. Tuesday's Assorted Links

Unknown discusses various stories that illustrate economic principles and their implications for education and policy.

Inflation and the Demand for Money: The Confederacy in the Civil War

196. Inflation and the Demand for Money: The Confederacy in the Civil War

An argument that the Confederacy's financial struggles during the Civil War stemmed from ineffective taxation, borrowing challenges, and the detrimental effects of printing money.

S4E22: Jessica Brown, Labor Economist, University of South Carolina

197. S4E22: Jessica Brown, Labor Economist, University of South Carolina

Scott Cunningham discusses Jessica Brown's journey as a labor economist and her experiences studying under Alan Krueger, highlighting her contributions to the field.

Has Clothing Declined in Quality?

198. Has Clothing Declined in Quality?

Alex Tabarrok discusses the perceived decline in clothing quality, arguing it is driven by consumer demand for fast fashion rather than solely by imports or manufacturing practices.

Thoughts on Sinofuturism

199. Thoughts on Sinofuturism

Noah Smith explores Sinofuturism, discussing China's technological advancements, economic shifts, and urban transformation amid its recent economic challenges and political context.

Trade Deficit increased to $140.5 Billion in March

200. Trade Deficit increased to $140.5 Billion in March

The post discusses the increase in the U.S. trade deficit in March, highlighting changes in exports and imports, particularly in relation to tariffs and trade with China.